I'm Hakan, a 30-years-old avid explorer with an insatiable curiosity about the world. Traveling isn't just about changing locations for me; it's a profound journey of discovering diverse cultures, forging connections with people from all walks of life, and immersing myself in the kaleidoscope of experiences life has to offer.

Being on the road is my way of learning and growing. Meeting new people, hearing their stories, and sharing in their unique perspectives are some of the most enriching aspects of my travels.

I find joy in the unpredictability of the road, relishing the unexpected twists and turns that each adventure brings. Whether it's hiking through breathtaking landscapes, sampling local cuisines, or engaging in heartfelt conversations with fellow wanderers, every moment on the road is a treasure. In contrast to this free-spirited character, I must say that I do not like to travel alone, so my friends, mostly my roommate, accompany me.

If you share a similar passion for exploration, I would love to connect. Share your travel plans, recommendations, or just let me know if you'd like to grab a coffee and chat. No matter where your journey takes you, let's create beautiful memories together!

Safe travels and looking forward to crossing paths with fellow wanderers!

I share my instagram ID even though I am not very active ---> @hakaanulu

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I believe that the true essence of travel lies in the people you meet and the connections you make along the way. Couchsurfing provides a unique opportunity to break down barriers, forge meaningful connections, and create a global community of like-minded individuals passionate about exploration.

I'm on Couchsurfing to embrace the authenticity of travel. Staying with locals and sharing stories, perspectives, and experiences not only enriches my journey but also allows me to contribute to the collective tapestry of global understanding.

Every couch, room, or shared meal becomes a chance to bridge cultural gaps, learn from one another, and cultivate a spirit of openness and friendship. I'm here to be a part of this incredible network of travelers and hosts, to share in the diversity of our world, and to make each journey more than just a physical exploration.

Interests

My interests are as diverse as the places I travel to. From bustling city streets to serene natural landscapes, I am inspired by the beauty of our world. Here's a look at what fuels my curiosity:

1. Culinary Adventures: Exploring local cuisines is a must on my travels. From street food to hidden gems, I believe that trying new dishes is a gateway to understanding the heart and soul of a culture. My roommate and I try international cuisine that we discover online. One of the things we enjoy the most is giving someone a taste of what we cook. When you are our guest, if we have the opportunity, we can also offer you a taste of local delicacies.

3. Outdoor Explorations: Hiking and immersing myself in the wonders of nature rejuvenates my soul. There is something magical about connecting with the outdoors.

4. Art and Culture: Museums, galleries and live performances nurture my love for art and culture. In the last two or three years I have become addicted to theater plays. I am fascinated by stories told through various artistic mediums. However, among all art forms, cinema stands in a completely different place for me. I have had a special bond with cinema for as long as I can remember

5. Literature: Books are my constant companions. Whether it's a classic novel or a travel memoir, I love getting lost in the pages of a good book.

• writing
• books
• festivals
• cooking
• traveling
• olympics
• tennis
• sinema
• food lover
• tiyatro

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
I have never been a pretentious person when it comes to music. I listen to whatever sounds good to my ears without discrimination, but I have a special interest in Turkish Classical Music. I am always looking for suggestions to add to my ever-growing playlist.

Movies:
I am fascinated by cinematic storytelling and enjoy a wide variety of movies. Whether it's a thought-provoking indie film, an epic fantasy epic or a classic comedy, I appreciate the art of visual storytelling. I watch so many movies that it's hard to pick the good ones. Recent ones include Anatomy of A Fall, Aftersun, Tar, Close, Holy Spider, The Worst Person in the World, The Whale, Vortex, Passages, I'm Thinking of Ending Things, Exil, Persian Lessons, Sick of Myself, Talk to Me, Winter Sleep, The Banshees of Inisherin, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, No Evil, Dry Days, Dogs Don't Wear Pants and many more. Last but not least, I would like to mention a few TV series that I love to watch Six Feet Under, Arcane, Normal People, Dark, Euphoria, Succession, Fleabag, Rick and Morty, Black Mirror etc...

Books:
Books are my constant companions on the road. I am drawn to both fiction and non-fiction books that offer fresh perspectives and gripping storytelling. My literary companions include the surreal worlds of Haruki Murakami, the insightful narratives of Kazuo Ishiguro and the timeless wisdom of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Recently, I started reading the Classics of Turkish Literature, which I read in high school but now I want to re-evaluate them from a different perspective.

These are just a glimpse of my cultural palette. I would love to hear your suggestions and share your favorites. Let's create a collaborative playlist for our journeys and share stories inspired by the magic of cinema and literature!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of the most exhilarating experiences of my life was being part of the world-famous Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Stepping into the heart of the samba beats, vibrant colors, and contagious energy of the parade was nothing short of a dream come true.

Dancing alongside locals, adorned in dazzling costumes, I felt the pulse of Brazil's rich culture and the unbridled joy that Carnival brings. The streets transformed into a joy of celebration, with music, dance, and laughter echoing around every corner.

Experiencing the sheer grandeur of the floats, the intricacy of the costumes, and the unity of people from all walks of life coming together for this spectacular event left an indelible mark on my soul. It wasn't just a celebration; it was a cultural immersion, a testament to the passion and spirit that defines Brazil.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is more than an event; it's a celebration of life, diversity, and the infectious happiness that defines this incredible country. I carry the rhythm of Brazil with me, and I'm forever grateful for the unforgettable memories created during this extraordinary adventure.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach:
I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences with fellow travelers. Whether it's tips for immersive travel, what I learned from writing workshops, a help you deepen your fictional character if you are a storyteller or insights into the destinations I've explored, I believe in the power of learning from one another.

Learn:
Every interaction is an opportunity to learn, and I'm eager to absorb new perspectives, cultural nuances, and life stories. Whether it's a local recipe, a language phrase, or a hidden gem in your city, I'm open to discovering the wealth of knowledge that diverse individuals bring to the table.

Share:
Sharing is at the core of the Couchsurfing experience. I'm more than willing to share travel stories, recommendations, and the joy of exploration. From swapping book suggestions to exchanging travel anecdotes, let's create a space where our shared experiences enrich our journeys.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I offer a cultural exchange with stories from my travels, a culinary adventure by sharing recipes and savoring local cuisines, language exchange to bridge cultural gaps, travel tips for memorable adventures, and a collaborative playlist to share the music that has inspired my journeys. Most importantly, I bring a commitment to being a respectful and responsible guest, fostering an open-minded environment for a positive shared experience with a cup of Turkish coffe that I make for you. I'm excited to contribute to the unique tapestry of our time spent together.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Monaco, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Turkey